Epilepsy Awareness Month

Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the U.S. and is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

According to the CDC: delayed recognition of these seizures and inadequate treatment increases the risk for additional seizures, disability, decreased health-related quality of life and, in rare instances, death.

That is why it is so important for 9-1-1 and first responders to know that a person may have epilepsy and how to effectively treat them immediately. Individuals with epilepsy can make 9-1-1 aware of their condition in their Smart911 Safety Profile, so if they dial 9-1-1 and cannot communicate, dispatchers will know:

Who they are - including a photo

Their home address, work/school address and current location

Medical notes including epilepsy, medications and allergies

Emergency contacts

This information can save valuable time as 9-1-1 can dispatch response teams to the correct location with more information.